Rhode Island Abortion Laws: Quotes From Heated Debate

Rhode Island’s abortion laws have sparked debate among pro-choice activists and pro-lifers. State lawmakers have added restrictions on access to abortion to offset its previous liberal approaches to controversial procedures.

A new law passed in 2015 requires insurers in the state’s health insurance exchange to offer plans that don’t cover abortion, which pro-choice advocates fear will restrict women’s access to abortion, the International Business Times reported. The state budget gave employers in Rhode Island the option to exclude abortion coverage from company plans.

“We absolutely see this as new abortion restrictions. Rhode Island insurers never before had a mandate not to cover abortion. Now they’re being forced not to.”
— Jamie Rhodes, director of public policy for Planned Parenthood in Rhode Island, according to the International Business Times

“If I were the father of an unborn child, I would urge my partner to not terminate the pregnancy. However, I respect and support a woman's right to make this choice for herself and I support existing Rhode Island law on this issue.”
— Rhode Island Republican Barry Hinckley said during his unsuccessful 2012 campaign for the U.S. Senate, according OnTheIssues.

“I have consistently voted against any federal attempt to ban women’s reproductive freedom and choices. If it’s left to the states, then only wealthy women will have access to abortions, if they have the resources to travel, whereas poor women would have to resort to the old days of difficult decisions.”
— Lincoln Chaffee, who has been a Republican U.S. Senator, an Independent governor, and a Democratic candidate for the 2016 presidential race, according to Bustle

Rhode Island's abortion laws have sparked debate among pro-choice activists and pro-lifers. State lawmakers have added restrictions on access to abortion to offset its previous liberal approaches to controversial procedures.

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